HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-22 September 22, 2025 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes - SIGNED - LFA. Max Bacon City Hall
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
2800 King Street
Smyrna, Ga 30080
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Derek Norton, Mayor
Tim Gould, Mayor Pro Tern (Ward 6)
Glenn Pickens (Ward 1)
Latonia P. Hines (Ward 2)
Travis Lindley (Ward 3)
Charles "Corkey" Welch (Ward 4)
Susan Wilkinson (Ward 5)
Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. (Ward 7)
City Attorney Scott Cochran
City Administrator Mike L. Jones
Deputy City Administrator / CFO Kristin Robinson
City Clerk Heather K. Peacon-Corn
September 22, 2025 / 7:00 PM
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
1. Roll Call
Present: 6 —Sitting Chair / Councilmember Travis Lindley, Councilmember Glenn
Pickens, Councilmember Latonia P. Hines, Councilmember Charles
Welch, Councilmember Susan Wilkinson, Councilmember Rickey N.
Oglesby, Jr.
Absent: 2 — Mayor Derek Norton, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould
Also Present: 1 — Scott Cochran
Staff: 5 —Jill Head, Russell Martin, Heather Peacon-Corn, Kristin Robinson,
Enoch Serna
2. Call to Order
Sitting Chair / Councilmember Travis Lindley called to order the September 22, 2025 Mayor
and Council meeting held at A. Max Bacon City Hall in Council Chambers at 7:00 PM.
3.-_ Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
A. Pastor Nick and Dr. Rhonda Travitt, Restoring the Years Global Ministries (954 Bank
Street)
4. Agenda Changes
5. Mayoral Report
Sitting Chair / Councilmember Travis Lindley announced that there will be Downtown
Redevelopment updates coming soon. There has been historic community engagement
thus far. There will be another opportunity in the coming months to provide input.
Page 1 of 10
September 22, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
6. Proclamations and Presentations
A. PRC2025-025 Proclamation in recognition of the 75th Anniversary of Vickery
Hardware
Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley
Councilmember Sifting Chair Travis Lindley read and presented the following
proclamation:
A PROCLAMATION
By the Mayor of the City of Smyrna
In Recognition of 75 Years — Vickery Hardware
Whereas, Vickery Hardware has been a Smyrna Landmark for 75 years, known for its
tradition of friendly, courteous customer service; and
Whereas, in 1950, Thomas Vickery purchased Howard Hardware on Atlanta Street,
renamed it Vickery Hardware, and relocated to what is now Dickson Shopping Center
on South Cobb Drive. In 1966, he sold the store to Hugh Hutchings; and
Whereas, Mr. Hutchings, with unmatched work ethic, poured his time and energy into
making the store a community staple. In 1974, he joined the Ace Hardware dealer
cooperative becoming only the 577th store in the country to do so; and
Whereas, after eight years in the Dickson Shopping Center, the store moved in 1974
to its current Concord Road location due to the widening of South Cobb Drive
— expanding from 5,000 square feet to over 10,000 square feet and staying open at
both locations during the transition; and
Whereas, Vickery Hardware continued to thrive despite competition from big box
stores, thanks to strong community support. After Mr. Hutchings passed away in 2003,
the store was left to Ms. Susan Harlan, who had worked there since 1975; and
Whereas, under Ms. Harlan's leadership since 2003, the store has received numerous
honors, including Best of Atlanta (2009), BHMA Best Hardware Store in
Georgia (2010), Best of Cobb (2020, 2023, 2025), and a top -five national ranking in
the Independent We Stand awards (2014). It has built a reputation across Smyrna and
the metro area for knowledgeable service and reliability; and
Whereas, Vickery Hardware has long served as a community hub — sponsoring a
Little Free Library, countless Smyrna Garden Tours, gold hoes, baseball teams,
Smyrna's first mural, and a Campbell High School art show, just to name a few. With
deep local loyalty, it has thrived as a hometown favorite in an era of big box retail,
proudly called Smyrna home for 75 years; NOW,
Therefore, I, Derek Norton, Mayor of the City of Smyrna, do hereby proclaim
September 22, 2025, as a day of recognition for Vickery Hardware, and urge all
citizens to join in celebrating this momentous occasion.
B. PRC2025-031 Proclamation in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month
Citywide
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines read and presented the English version of the
following proclamation:
A PROCLAMATION
By the Mayor of the City of Smyrna
In Recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month
Page 2 of 10
September 22, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Whereas: during National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize the contributions
made by Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States and celebrate their
culture and heritage; and
Whereas: with over 65 million Hispanic Americans residing in the United States,
Hispanic Americans make up the largest minority group in the nation and have
significantly contributed to our government, culture, and economy over the
generations; and
Whereas: the Hispanic community in America has made many important advances in
areas of law, religion, agriculture, art, music, education, technology, architecture,
cuisine, theatre, and exploration; and,
Whereas: nationally, September 15 through October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage
Month and the focal point for recognizing and celebrating the many achievements of
Latino Americans and applauding their proud legacy of service and dedication; and
Whereas: Smyrna's Hispanic American community will honor Hispanic Heritage
Month through a series of special events featuring Hispanic history, food, dance, and
culture, highlighting the rich traditions and many contributions this community has
made to the city of Smyrna. This year's celebration will include the annual Hispanic
Heritage Festival, taking place on September 28, 2025; and
Whereas: we should appreciate and honor the countless achievements of Hispanic
Americans and continue our efforts to ensure our city is a welcoming and inclusive
place that provides just and equal opportunities for all; Now
Therefore: I, Derek Norton, Mayor of the City of Smyrna, Georgia, do hereby proclaim
September 15- October 15, 2025 as Hispanic Heritage Month.
Fire Chief Brian Marcos introduced Paramedic Engineer Luis Luna, born in Mexico
City, who has been with the City of Smyrna Fire Department for eight years. He was
recently awarded Firefighter of the Year. He is a Campbell High School graduate and
was just married last week. Luis Luna read the following proclamation in Spanish:
A PROCLAMATION
By the Mayor of the City of Smyrna
En reconocimiento al Mes de la Herencia Hispana
Considerando que: durante el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana, reconocemos
las contribuciones hechas por hispanos y latinoamericanos en los Estados Unidos,
celebramos su cultura y herencia; y
Considerando que: con mas de 65 millones de hispanoamericanos que residen en
los Estados Unidos, los hispanoamericanos constituyen el grupo minoritario mas
grande de la nacion y han contribuido significativamente a nuestro gobierno, cultura y
economia a to largo de las generaciones; y
Considerando que: la comunidad hispana en los Estados Unidos ha hecho muchos
avances importantes en las areas de derecho, religion, agricultura, arte, musica,
educacion, tecnologia, arquitectura, gastronomia, teatro y exploracion; y,
Considerando que: a nivel nacional, del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre es el Mes
Nacional de la Herencia Hispana y el punto focal para reconocer y celebrar los
muchos logros de los latinoamericanos y aplaudir su admirable legado de servicio y
dedicaci6n; y
Considerando que: La comunidad hispanoamericana de Smyrna celebrara el Mes
de la Herencia Hispana a traves de una serie de eventos especiales que presentaran
la historia, comida, danza y arte hispanos, celebrando la rica tradici6n y muchas
contribuciones que esta comunidad ha hecho a la Ciudad de Smyrna; y
Considerando que: debemos apreciar y honrar los innumerables logros de
los hispanoamericanos y continuar nuestros esfuerzos para garantizar que nuestra
Page 3 of 10
September 22, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Ciudad sea un lugar acogedor a inclusivo que brinde oportunidades justas a iguales
para todos; Ahora
Por to tanto: Yo, Derek Norton, alcalde de la Ciudad de Smyrna, Georgia, proclamo
por presente del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre de 2025 como el Mes de la
Herencia Hispana.
II. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
Public comment during this portion of the Agenda must be limited to matters on the Agenda for action. If you wish to be
heard, please sign up with the City Clerk, come to the podium when called by the Mayor, state your name and address for
the record and make your remarks. The time allotted for each speaker is as follows: Public Hearing - Five (5) Minutes
7. Community Development Items
A. Z25-007 Public Hearing - Zoning Request - Z25-007 - Allow rezoning from OI to MU -
Conditional for a mixed -use development with 250 multi -family units and 2,500 sq. ft.
of retail - 6.73 acres - Land Lot 681 & 688 - 0 Highlands Pkwy - WP South
Acquisitions LLC.
The applicant has requested this be tabled to the October 6, 2025, Mayo, and Council
meeting.
Ward 7 Councilmember - Rickey N. Oglesby Jr.
Councilmember Charles Welch made a motion to table item Z25-007 to the October 6,
2025 Mayor and Council meeting; seconded by Councilmember Latonia P. Hines.
The motion to table carried with the following vote:
Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember Tim Gould
B. Z25-009 Public Hearing - Zoning Request - Z25-009 - Allow rezoning from OD to GC -
Land Lot 302 - 1 acre - 2351 Benson Poole Road - Alejandra Sanchez
The applicant has requested this be tabled to the October 6, 2025, Mayor and Council
meeting.
Ward 5 Councilmember - Susan Wilkinson
Councilmember Susan Wilkinson made a motion to table item Z25-009 to the October
6, 2025 Mayor and Council meeting; seconded by Councilmember Glenn Pickens.
The motion to table carried with the following vote:
Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould
8. Privilege License and Show Cause Hearing
A. LIC2026-033 Privilege License - New Request — Pouring (Liquor, Beer, Wine, Sunday
sales and Special hours) — 1080 Windy Hill Rd SE, STE 100 Smyrna, GA 30080- Ay
Caramba Inc with Jose Luis Diaz Hernandez as agent
Page 4 of 10
September 22, 2026 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley
Kristin Robinson, Deputy City Administrator / CFO, presented the following
background:
Application was made for privilege license — New Request for Ay Caramba Inc for the
sale of (Liquor, Beer, Wine, Sunday sales and Special hours) . Jose Luis Diaz
Hernandez is the agent applicant.
Jose Luis Diaz Hernandez will be the registered agent responsible for the sale of
alcohol at 1080 Windy Hill Rd SE, Ste 100 SE, Smyrna, GA 30080. The applicant has
been given a copy of the Alcoholic Beverage ordinances and attended the mandatory
alcohol awareness workshop.
A background investigation conducted by the Smyrna Police Department failed to
reveal information that would preclude issuance of this license. Mr. Hernandez has
agreed to abide by the guidelines set forth by the City of Smyrna ordinance governing
the sale of alcohol.
Jose Luis Diaz Hernandez, applicant, stated they are opening a Mexican restaurant in
a space that used to be one previously. They are currently renovating, and plan to
open in about four weeks. ;
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines made a motion to approve item LIC2025-033;
seconded by Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould
9. Formal Business
A. LIC2025-035 Temporary Sales Certificate - Fruit, Produce and Vegetable stand - 810
Pebblebrook Road - MBH Pebblebrook LLC DBA October Optics - Jane Bledsoe as
Applicant
Ward 7 Councilmember - Rickey N. Oglesby Jr.
Kristin Robinson, DCA/CFO, provided the following background:
Temporary Sales Certificate - Fruit, Produce and Vegetable stand
Business Name — MBH Pebblebrook LLC DBA October Optics
Address — 810 Pebblebrook Road — No Subdivision — Zoning R-20
Applicant — Jane Bledsoe
Full Description of Activity — (Temporary tent) Pumpkins and Fall seasonal produce for
sale through 12/31/2025
Jane Bledsoe, applicant, stated the idea was to have a local place to buy pumpkins. It
is a temporary pumpkin patch. She will be opening as soon as possible.
Page 5 of 10
September 22, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. made a motion to approve item LIC2025-035;
seconded by Councilmember Susan Wilkinson.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould
B. ATH2025-148 Authorization to approve RFP 25-026 Architectural Design and On -Call
Services and award the top 5 firms. CDH Partners, Inc. (3330 Cumberland Blvd SE,
Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30339), Croft & Associates (3380 Blue Springs Rd Kennesaw,
GA 30144), Leah F. Jones Architects LLC (650 N. Thomas Lane SE Smyrna, GA
30082), Nelson (1055 Howell Mill Rd NW, Suite 1250 Atlanta, GA 30318), Praxis3
(100 Peachtree St NW #1450 Atlanta, GA 30303) and authorize the Mayor to sign and
execute all documents.
Citywide
Kristin Robinson, Deputy City Administrator / CFO, provided the following background:
This is a request based off a necessary need for the city to have a short list of
qualified architectural firms for proposed projects related to the interior renovation of a
new city facility located at 1088 Concord Road, Smyrna, GA 30080, as well as the
development of new office spaces on the first floor of City Hall at 2800 King Street,
Smyrna, GA 30080. The city also intends to select firms for on -call design services.
Twenty-three (23) proposals were received on Friday, June 6, 2025. The proposals
were reviewed by a selection committee comprising staff from Administration, Public
Works, Water Administration, Information Technology, Community Development, and
Human Resources.
Seven (7) firms were shortlisted and invited to participate in interviews and
presentations. From this group, five (5) firms were selected for award. A firm will be
selected to lead the design projects for 1088 Concord Road and City Hall.
CDH Partners, Inc.
3330 Cumberland Blvd SE, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30339
Croft & Associates
3380 Blue Springs Rd
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Leah F. Jones Architects LLC
650 N. Thomas Lane SE
Smyrna, GA 30082
Nelson
1055 Howell Mill Rd NW, Suite 1250
Atlanta, GA 30318
Page 6 of 10
September 22, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Praxis3
100 Peachtree St NW #1450
Atlanta, GA 30303
The evaluation team and Purchasing recommend award to the firms referenced
above.
Councilmember Charles Welch made a motion to approve item ATH2O25-148;
seconded by Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould
C. RF026-004 Authorization for the approval of RFQ 26-004 for the purchase of seven
(7) 2025 Ford Utility Pursuit Vehicles from Family Ford, Inc DBA Hardy Ford (1255
Charles Hardy Pkwy, Dallas, GA) in the total amount of $321,881.00, to outfit these
vehicles with all necessary equipment from Dana Safety Supply, Inc (1257
Kennestone Cir, Marietta, GA) in the total amount of $112,272.00, markings for the
vehicles to be ordered from Grafix Shoppe (3225 Neil Armstrong Blvd #600, Eagan,
MN) in the total amount of $4,430.00, and tinting to be applied by Tint World (2274
Atlanta Rd, Smyrna, GA) in the total amount of $1,030.05 to be paid from the Vehicle
Replacement Fund FY2026 adopted budget (Subtotal: $439,613.05) and authorize the
Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
Citywide
Kristin Robinson, Deputy City Administrator / CFO, provided the following background:
This is the first of three agenda items for acquisition of police vehicles. This is for
seven Ford Police Interceptors. Quotes were received on September 4, 2025, and the
award will go to Hardy Ford. The cost per vehicle will be $45,973.00 when including
outfitting, adding graphics, and tinting the vehicles.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. made a motion to approve item RFQ26-004;
seconded by Councilmember Glenn Pickens.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould
D. RFQ26-005 Authorization for the approval of RFQ 26-005 for the purchase of two (2)
2026 GMC Terrains from Family Ford, Inc DBA Hardy Ford (1255 Charles Hardy
Pkwy, Dallas, GA) in the total amount of $57,780.00 to be paid from the FY 2026
Adopted Vehicle Replacement Fund (VRF) Budget and authorize the Mayor to sign
and execute all related documents.
Citywide
Page 7 of 10
September 22, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Kristin Robinson, Deputy City Administrator / CFO, provided the following background:
This is to authorize approval of the purchase of two GMC Terrains off the State of
Georgia contract from Hardy Chevrolet Buick GMC, Inc. in the total amount of
57,780.00.
Councilmember Glenn Pickens made a motion to approve item RFQ26-005; seconded
by Councilmember Charles Welch.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould
E. RFQ26-006 Authorization for the approval of RFQ 26-006 for the purchase, outfitting,
marking, and tinting of four (4) 2025 Dodge Durango Pursuit Vehicles in the total
amount of $239,380.00 to be paid from the FY 2026 Adopted Vehicle Replacement
Fund (VRF) Budget and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related
documents. Vehicles will be purchased from Akins Ford, Inc (220 West May St,
Winder, GA) in the amount of $180,436.00. Outfitting of these vehicles with all
necessary equipment from Dana Safety Supply, Inc (1257 Kennestone Cir, Marietta,
GA) in the amount of $56,645.40. Markings for the vehicles to be ordered from Grafix
Shoppe (3225 Neil Armstrong Blvd #600, Eagan, MN) in the amount of $1,710.00.
Tinting to be applied by Tint World (2274 Atlanta Rd, Smyrna, GA) in the amount of
$588.60 and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
Citywide
Kristin Robinson, Deputy City Administrator / CFO, provided the following background:
This is for the purchase of four 2025 Durango Pursuit Vehicles from Akins Ford, Inc.
in the total amount of $239,380.00.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. made a motion to approve item RFQ26-006;
seconded by Councilmember Glenn Pickens.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould
10. Consent Agenda
Councilmember Glenn Pickens made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented; seconded by Councilmember Latonia P. Hines.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Page 8 of 10
September 22, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Aye: 5 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould
A. MIN2026-207 Approval of the September 4, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting
Minutes
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
B. MIN2025-209 Approval of the September 8, 2025 Pre -Council Meeting Minutes
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
C. MIN2025-211 Approval of the September 8, 2025 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
D. ATH2O25-150 Approval to use Council Chambers for Ward 6 Neighborhood Meeting,
Thursday, November 6, 2025, 5pm - 7pm
Ward 6 Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember - Tim Gould
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
III. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
Public comment during this portion of the agenda must be limited to matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council. No
subject may be acted upon by the City Council unless that subject is on the agenda and is scheduled for action. If you wish
to be heard, please sign up with the City Clerk, come to the podium when called by the Mayor, state your name and address
for the record and make your remarks. The time allotted for each speaker is as follows: Public Comment - Three (3)
Minutes
11. Public Comment
Daryl McNeil, a local Realtor in town, said he wanted to offer his support and services to help
small business and the community.
12. Ward and Staff Reports
Councilmember Glenn Pickens: Announced the upcoming Joint Ward Meeting for wards 1,
3, and 6 on October 5, 2025.
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines: Announced she will have a ward 2 meeting soon. She
also reminded all that the Hispanic Heritage Celebration is this weekend.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr.: Announced some restaurants and bars will be
handing out convenient coasters with a QR code to encourage people to take a survey
about public art in Smyrna. This is an endeavor by the Smyrna Public Art Committee. Their
goal is to have public art in every ward by the end of October.
Councilmember Travis Lindley mentioned that City Attorney Scott Cochran is a new
grandfather. Mr. Cochran stated that his grandson, Griffin, was born on September 11.
Page 9 of 10
September 22, 2025 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
13. Adjournment
Sitting Chair / Councilmember Travis Lindley adjourned the September 22, 2025 Mayor and
Council meeting at 7:30 PM.
Facilities are provided throughout City Hall for the convenience of persons with disabilities.
THIS MEETING WAS PROPERLY NOTICED AND POSTED AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NOTICING
STANDARDS AS OUTLINED IN O.C.G.A. 50-14-3:
The City of Smyrna website — www.smvrnaaa.aov / / City Hall, 2800 King Street SE, Notice Boards
Page 10 of 10
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
ABSENT
DEREK NORTON, MAYOR
L N A P. HINES, WARD 2
-1 "Wra- WIR
ABSENT
TIM GOULD, WARD 6
MAYOR PRO TEM
HEAT R. K. PEACON-CORN
CITY CLERK
GLENN PICKENS, WARD I
TRAVIS LINDLEY, WARD 3
(�r )AjrXAA-lA
SU N WILKINSO , WARD 5
4JECKEY?COGLESBY, Jlk., VJARD 7
CITY SEAL